The two East Ayrshire teams selected to represent Scotland in the Coalfields Regeneration Trust Home Internationals against England and Wales were given top tips from former Kilmarnock FC player and captain Garry Hay.

Garry played over 300 Scottish Premier League games for Kilmarnock and won a Scotland B Cap against Poland.

A select team from Grange Midnight Leagues played as Scotland and a team from Cumnock played as the Scottish Thistles against two teams from coalfields areas in each of England and Wales in a tri-nation five-a-side Home International tournament at the Scottish Police College at Tulliallan in Fife on Saturday November 1st.

Garry, who now is now Player and Coach Development Manager and runs the Scottish FA’s Schools of Football in the South West region, spoke to the players before the tournament started.

Garry said: “It was great to meet such keen and enthusiastic lads, all thrilled at having the chance to represent their country.

“I reminded them of how much that means in terms of meeting the highest standards of behaviour and sportsmanship, but also told them to go out there and enjoy the tournament from start to finish. I'm glad they did”

The Grange team was:
Greig Connor, 15
Cammy Lindsay, 15
Marc Walker, 15
Jackson Sivewright, 15
Lyall Cameron, 15
Jamie Knight,15
Kieran Perry, 15
Will Graham, 15

The Cumnock team was:
Kyle Smith, 16
Caleb McGhee, 16
Jake Baird, 16
Steven Easten, 15
Aqib Ali, 15
Lyam Roberts, 16
Dylan Lawrie, 15

Nicky Wilson, Scottish Trustee of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust said: “The Coalfields Home Internationals are a wonderful occasion for the youngsters taking part, and showcase wonderful skills and high standards of sportsmanship and fair play.

“The event is also about giving the youngsters who take part an experience that widens their horizons and reinforces their confidence in what they can achieve, not just in football, but life in general”.